A five-year-old goddess, raised to become an emperor for all time through a bronze mirror.

Niannian nestled in Pei Nanxing's arms like a kitten, feeling uncomfortable under his gaze.

She subconsciously gripped Pei Nanxing's sleeve tightly with her small hands, as if that would give her some sense of security.

With her little mouth slightly pouting, she lowered her voice and muttered to Pei Nanxing beside her, "Daddy Nanxing, this person is so strange! I always feel that the way he looks at me is a bit off."

Suddenly, as if remembering something, Nian Nian's eyes lit up, and she muttered even more softly:

"Hey! Pei Huai-ren! That name sounds familiar... Oh right! I remember now, my dad and mom once told me that Pei Huai-ren was a ruthless and wicked villain!"

As she spoke, she couldn't help but shiver, and her heart filled with even more vigilance towards the man in front of her.

Nevertheless, Niannian couldn't help but secretly observe Pei Huai Ren out of the corner of her eye, trying to find some clues from his face or his behavior.

However, Pei Huai-ren seemed to notice Niannian's subtle movements. He raised an eyebrow, a meaningful smile playing on his lips, and said:

"Little sister, are you secretly watching your big brother?"

Just a short while ago, Pei Huai-ren was summoned by his mother to discuss a crucial matter—how to solidify his position in the palace.

After much deliberation, the mother and son finally came up with a brilliant idea: to arrange a marriage between Pei Huai-ren and Pei Nan-xing's daughter.

It should be noted that Pei Huai-ren was already of marriageable age, but the matter had been delayed until now because the Empress had not been able to find a suitable woman.

At this moment, the Empress spoke softly: "I also wish to help Huai Ren and Niannian strengthen their relationship by going south!"

As she spoke, she gave Pei Huai-ren a wink, signaling him to sit next to her.

Upon hearing this, Pei Nanxing smiled gently and patted Niannian's hand to comfort her.

He knew that Niannian's fear of Pei Huai Ren was not without reason.

After all, they had been struggling in the inner palace for so long.

The power struggles and treachery within the palace had honed his keen insight into people's hearts, allowing him to understand the Empress's true intentions.

Pei Nanxing slowly turned around to face the Empress, his face showing humility, and bowed slightly, saying:

"Your Majesty, today's events have truly been unsettling. I believe that this meal has lost its appeal, so let's call it a day!"

Having said that, he no longer hesitated, gently yet firmly pulling Nian Nian into his arms, then strode straight towards the palace gate...

Nian Nian, who was being held tightly in Pei Nanxing's arms, was blinking her big, watery eyes, staring longingly at the fragrant and delicious dishes.

"Mmm, so delicious! Goodbye~"

As the tempting food receded further and further away, Nian Nian couldn't help but pout and sigh inwardly.

However, the thought that this would keep her further away from that fearsome villain made her feel a little better...

Not long after, Pei Nanxing brought Niannian to Shanghe Palace.

Upon entering the palace gates, one is greeted by Pei Yunjing sitting upright at his desk, intently studying his books.

To outsiders, becoming Prince Anguo is a glorious and prestigious position, but only he knows the hardships and joys he experiences.

In reality, Pei Chuan had been trying to suppress his expansion of power, and the so-called title of Prince of Anguo was merely a formality.

Aside from a slight improvement in status and a slightly larger monthly allowance, I haven't received any other special treatment...

Despite the less-than-ideal situation, they were able to move out of the somewhat cramped East Sixth Residence and into a side hall of the Imperial Palace.

For Pei Yunjing, this was at least a slight improvement, better than staying in the same place without any change.

Just then, Pei Yunjing inadvertently raised his eyes, and his gaze met Nian Nian's.

He was slightly taken aback at first, then gently put down the book he was reading, smiled, and quickly walked towards Niannian.

"Niannian, why did you suddenly come?" Pei Yunjing asked gently, his tone revealing undisguised joy.

Actually, he originally planned to leave the palace to find Niannian, but unfortunately his mother firmly disagreed, so he had to give up the idea.

Niannian, like a happy little rabbit, quickly broke free from Pei Nanxing's warm embrace and hopped over to Pei Yunjing.

She blinked her big, bright eyes and said in a sweet, childish voice, "Brother Yun Jing, I just went to the Empress's place with Father Nanxing!"

As they were talking, Pei Yunjing considerately handed him a colorful, crystal-clear candy.

Seeing this, Niannian reached out her little hand without hesitation to take it, her movements so practiced as if this wasn't the first time.

Immediately afterwards, she stuffed the candy directly into her mouth, her cheeks puffing out instantly, looking incredibly cute.

Because she had candy in her mouth, Niannian's speech was a little unclear, but she still tried her best to add:

"And what's more, I actually saw the super villain Pei Huai-ren there!"

And also, that Empress actually wanted me to develop some kind of relationship with her! Humph! How annoying!

After she finished speaking, her pink cheeks puffed up instantly, like a cute little pufferfish;

Her cherry-red lips pouted slightly in dissatisfaction, and her angry expression made one feel an overwhelming sense of tenderness.

Just then, Pei Yunjing heard the words "cultivate feelings" and was filled with doubt.

He really couldn't understand why Pei Huai-ren would suddenly have such an idea.

He frowned slightly, looked at Pei Nanxing with a blank expression, and asked, "Uncle, what exactly did Niannian mean by what she just said?"

As he spoke, his gaze remained fixed on Pei Nanxing, waiting for the other party to give an answer.

Pei Nanxing's face was filled with resentment, his eyebrows were tightly furrowed, and several veins were even faintly visible on his forehead.

He suddenly raised his hand and slammed it hard on the tea table in front of him. Two crisp "smack" sounds rang out, and the sturdy tea table was actually cracked with tiny fissures.

Then, he roared furiously:

"Hmph! The Empress actually dares to dream of arranging a marriage between Pei Huai Ren and Nian Nian. It's utterly delusional and wishful thinking!"

Before he could finish speaking, he let out a heavy snort to express his strong dissatisfaction.